Building With Style: High Style, Low Costs

Everyone agrees that there is a
tremendous need for affordable housing.
But what does "affordable" mean?
Since federal subsidies for housing
have dwindled to almost nothing, and
state subsidies barely exist, the term
affordable can only mean good housing
that is delivered to the home
buyer at the lowest possible cost.
It seems clear that the housing
industry's contribution will be to produce
the most cost-efficient housing
possible. Design plays an important
role in providing such housing.
Design: What's Best?
The design for this market must be
simple, but there are other considerations
as well. First, the space will necessarily
be small, but the product must
maintain quality and competitiveness.
Second, if financing subsidies are
involved, there will be state and